I am confused how you can say she starts easy yet you need to use ether? Ether will get you started, but its explosive nature is really not good for an engine in the long-term. Its use should be reserved for occasional circumstances only. ( Then again your engine is 20-something, so maybe you figure it doesn't owe you anything)

Outboards of that era were always "hard" to start when cold. There is an art to applying just the right amount of throttle and choke etc. Just sayin..

One tip is to start with the engine trimmed down. That way fuel doesn't have to run uphill to the carbs.

Good Luck

Kevin